End Game(ish) Speakers - Help Deciding


Hi folks,

Long time lurker, posting for input on upgrading my speakers to an end game(ish) purchase - famous last words I know.  I’m middle aged, and listen to a broad range of music, predominantly classic rock.  

Current core system:

  • Altec Lansing Model 14 speakers (similar to LaScalas)
  • McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp
  • Vinyl (Project X1 Bronze 2M) and digital media (Mc DAC)

I’m looking to upgrade my speakers.  I’ve done a significant amount of research, which has - in some ways - left me more confused than certain.  There are many choices and exponentially more opinions.  

One of the key things I am looking for is a floorstanding speaker with sufficient bass and presence to not require subs.  I am also looking for a speaker which can pressurize the room and provide that visceral feeling you get from the right combination of components.  My room is 14’x34’.  Decently dampened in terms of floor and reflectivity - however it’s also my living room and I do need to consider my (tolerant) wife’s aspects of decor as well.

I grew up hearing friends’ parents’ speakers like Klipschorns - which made a BIG impression on me.  We didn’t know what they were at the time, only that they absolutely rocked.  Same with the Altecs.  So I had some influences there in terms of horns and large speakers.

I have found that many of the newer floorstanding models that I’ve heard in demos lack that presence - other than the top models where you typically find woofers in the 8"+ range and hence you get what I would call a full dynamic range (say below 40Hz-20KHz).  It’s unfortunate that the larger woofer options aren’t provided in lower end models, but I suppose this is how they market the top tier models and differentiate them.

I’ve narrowed my list down to the following, and would welcome comments and suggestions.  I live in Canada, my budget is around $20K CAD - give or take, and I am fine with used equipment vs. new and for this list I’m mostly assuming used.

  1. Klipschorn AK6 or 7
  2. B&W 801/802 D3 or D4
  3. Sonus Faber Amati (Tradtion or G5)
  4. Wilson Sasha or similar
  5. Kef Blade Meta (or similar model)

An issue I have is that I haven’t been able to audition some of these in person.  I would aim to do so before purchasing.  My research thus far has been academic, and also some subjective listening on YouTube to various channels and samples and piecing that together.

Thanks for your time/interest.

chris71

If price is an object, a used pair of Monitor Audio Silver 700 floor standing speakers, 3 ways with dual 8” woofers. A little bright but sold in large numbers with earlier versions available used in the low 4 figure range. Really well finished for the money.

It seems to me that Volti Audio Rivals may be the perfect speaker for you. They’re better than Klipsch in just about every way from driver quality, crossover components, cabinet & most importantly sound quality.

They can fill a big room w/ great sound with not that many good quality watts. Maybe take a trip to TN & audition them.

Wow - thank you all for the insights - what an awesome community!  I appreciate all of your inputs.  Lots to digest and consider - including new and local brands.

What has stood out to me among all the feedback is the unified message of auditioning the speakers in person, which I will do!  I'll reduce my list and begin that process over the coming months.  When I'm close I'll update the thread.  Thank you again.

There are significant differences between horns and others. Someone telling you something is better than another without knowing your preferences is a moot point. I wouldn’t shoot yourself in the foot by saying ‘no subs’ especially when you mentioned pressurizing the room. There are so many benefits from a pair of subs from imaging to room pressure to integration. Based off what you have written, I wouldn’t sleep on LaScalas with a pair of good subs. Best of luck and let us know where you land. 

If you're in Ontario, consider visiting Audio Excellence in Markham where you can talk with the wonderful Adrian Low and hear Wilson, Sonus faber, and Klipsch speakers with McIntosh electronics. Also, consider listening to Acora speakers that are also on display.